Weddings

I’m honored to be considered as a part of your wedding day. In many cases, a bride ends up spending just as much time, if not more, with me on her wedding day as she does with her new husband. I know how important it is to find someone who not only takes beautiful photographs, but also someone who can share in the joys and laughter of such a wonderful day. I’m grateful that so many couples allow me to be a part of such a special occasion.

The Experience

Before the Wedding Day

The wedding photography process begins long before you open your eyes on the morning of your wedding day (usually before the sun rises because you’re too excited to sleep). I love sitting down with my couples to go over the unique details of their wedding day to help them put together a stress-free wedding day schedule (don’t worry if you can’t make it to the Lansing area to meet in person—phone and Skype work too).

I’m big on planning—we’ll get the schedule, family groupings and other little details worked out ahead of time so that the day runs perfectly. You can email me any time during the planning process—no question is too silly.

About a month before your wedding, I’ll have you send me photos of any walls in your home that you may want to design, along any with other personal photos that you want to see in wall gallery designs. If you plan to move soon, just let me know, and I’ll give you ideas for wall art that can be easily adapted to new spaces.

On the Wedding Day

On the wedding day, I’m like the bonus bridesmaid—I’ll do whatever it takes to make things run smoothly and on time. Need a spare hair pin? Got it. Need to be sewn into your dress? I’ve been there (I was both sewn into my own dress at the last minute, and I’ve sewn dresses when clasps had issues).

I’ll fade into the background when I need to, and when it’s time to direct, and I’ll use a series of prompts and movements to get you interacting in a natural way so your photos won’t look stiff and uncomfortable (even if your fiancé swears that he’s totally awkward in front of the camera).

After the Wedding Day

As a part of my editing process, I’ll select the photos that tell the best story of your day or session and remove duplicates and blinks, then I’ll edit all of your photos to give them the simple custom look that you see on my site.

I’ve also been known to pull out my film camera here and there (it’s just so darn pretty, and my esthetic is very similar to the classic look of film), so you may get a few old school film photos in your gallery.

Here’s the thing about your wedding photos—if you’re hoping to download your files, throw a few on Facebook and then put them in a drawer somewhere never to be seen again, I’m just not the photographer for you, my dear. To me, a photographer’s job isn’t done until she’s helped you do something with the photos.

As an Allie & Co. couple, you’ll get my Wedding Art Style Guide in the mail with ideas around what you can do with your wedding photos. I’ve always loved flipping through printed catalogs—there’s just something about them that brings me so much more inspiration than any website.

It’s my hope that you’ll find ideas in the catalog that you can incorporate into your own home—ways to print your photos and hang them on your walls, ways to adapt the photographic art on your walls as your family grows and changes and has new experiences, and other long lasting ideas to keep your memories both safe and accessible.

When the photos are ready, I’ll have you set up a time to view them together in the comfort of your own home (put on your slippers and pop the champagne!). I think it’s important that you’re together to see the photos for the first time. On the day that you view your photos, you’ll get your wall design ideas through my online designer. You’ll also get 20% off any professional products that you want to order that day.

You’ll get your photo files as a download through your online gallery, and if you’ve chosen to add an album or memory box, I’ll get to work on the design. Most couples have an album in their hands within four to six months.

Coverage with Allie Siarto:

Weekend Coverage starts at $2,900—get in touch to get a custom quote builder and learn more.

Coverage with an Associate Photographer:

Coverage starts at $2,600—get in touch to get a custom quote builder and learn more.

Associate photographers are trained by Allie Siarto, and wedding images are personally edited by Allie in the Allie & Co. signature style. Each couple chooses their own photographer based on their style and personality preferences. Inquire to view portfolios and other details.

Events, Small Weddings and Weekday Weddings

I love to be a part of other events and smaller weddings. All weekday events can be booked at a rate of $500 for the first hour and $400 for each additional hour of coverage. This includes all edited high resolution digital images with a print release.

Bonus Gifts:

Book a $3,800 collection, and receive a complimentary one hour engagement session (engagement photos take place on Tuesday/Thursday evenings; photos are typically scheduled 90 minutes before sunset. Travel fees may apply outside of the Lansing area. Allie is also available for beach sessions in Muskegon on select dates).

Book a $4,200 collection, and receive a complimentary one hour engagement session (details above) and 8×8 Linen Signature Album (10 spreads/20 pages). This handcrafted book features a lay flat binding with beautiful matte press paper.

Book a $5,000 collection, and receive a complimentary one hour engagement session (details above), 8×8 Linen Signature Album (10 spreads/20 pages) and a set of three 10×10″ frames with mounted 8×8″ prints for your home.

Per Michigan law, a 6% sales tax will be added to the final collection price. Prices are subject to change—book your package to lock in pricing.

Wedding FAQ

Q: Can I customize my session package?
Yes! Every package is customized to fit your needs. Contact me to get access to my quote builder to build your own collection.

Q: How and when do I pay?
For weddings, a deposit of $1,000 plus Michigan sales tax ($60) will hold your date. The remaining balance is due two weeks before the wedding date. For engagement sessions and proposals, session fees are paid in advance. Products can be ordered online or in person after the session via credit card or check.

Q: Will you travel? Does this cost extra?
I live in East Lansing, Michigan, and I split my summers between East Lansing and Muskegon, Michigan.

Engagement sessions typically take place in the Lansing area (Allie is also available to photograph beach sessions in Muskegon on select dates).

Wedding travel is included within 100 miles of East Lansing or Muskegon, Michigan. Travel fees may apply beyond 100 miles for weddings or 30 miles for full engagement sessions, but there are exceptions (no fees for Traverse City or the Leelanau Peninsula while Allie is in those areas; travel barters are available).

Q: Do I pay sales tax on my wedding or session?
Per Michigan law, a 6% sales tax will be added to all session fees for Michigan clients. Product credit will not be charged sales tax since sales tax will be applied to the products at the time of purchase.

Q: Do you offer a wedding registry to let guests contribute to our photography products?
I sure do! Once you’ve booked your collection, you have the option to set up your very own registry to have guests contribute to your tangible wedding products (album, memory box, prints, etc.). Check out an example wedding registry here.

Q: This all sounds so wonderful, but it also sounds like it could be expensive. Will we be able to afford this?
You’re welcome to put together a payment plan to make the collection work for you.

Q: This sounds like everything we’re looking for. What happens next to start this process?Contact me to set up an appointment. If I’m available for your wedding day, or if you’d like to work with an associate, we’ll meet in person, on the phone or on Skype to talk about your day and see if we’re a fit to work together.

Engagement Sessions

Engagement sessions are a great way to get to know your photographer, get a feel for what it’s like to be in front of the camera before your wedding day (I promise it will make you feel comfortable going into your wedding) and to capture who you are as a couple.

Engagement sessions with digital files are complimentary for all wedding packages $3,800 and above.

Mini Session (30 Minutes): $350

I usually deliver 30 images in one general location with no outfit changes. This includes a handful in black and white.

Full Session (One Hour): $500

Full sessions give us a little more time to explore more locations and change outfits. Full session with digital files are complementary for all wedding packages that are $3,800 and above. If you book a package valued at $3,800 or more after your engagement session, the full value of your session will be applied to your package.

One hour on-location photography session (travel fees may apply beyond outside of 30 miles from East Lansing or Muskegon, Michigan. Muskegon dates are limited).

All high resolution digital downloads, available through an online gallery (online for at least 30 days).

Style Guide catalog with tips to prepare for your session and ideas to help you style your photos in your home.

One day 15% off sale to choose your favorite mix of photos for products. Ue my online gallery wall designer to view images scaled to your own walls so you know exactly what the images will look like.

Book a $3,800 wedding package with Allie & Co., and get the full price of your proposal applied to the package.

Get to Know Allie Siarto

I'm an editorial style wedding and portrait photographer based in East Lansing, Michigan. I’m a wife, a mom to two tiny energetic daughters, a newbie Lake Michigan sailor, a dessert addict, an endless explorer, a 2017 Editors' Choice award winner and a 2017 "Best of Weddings" winner.